I'm John Temmerman. I perform mostly jazz, funk and fusion on the tenor and soprano saxes, but I also play alto and baritone saxes and all the clarinets.

I started clarinet in middle school and then took up the alto saxophone in high school. While pursuing a business career including an advanced degree, I took my alto to the Saxophone Shop in Evanston to get it appraised. It turned out to be worth 5 times what I paid for it. I figured that I either needed to sell it or play it and made the right choice. I joined the jazz band at Oakton Community College, took up the tenor sax and was cited during a festival as a top player by Mark Colby. I took lessons with him for 5 years, while I continued my business career. I started playing and teaching professionally in the mid-90s, and issued well reviewed CDs in 2001 and 2008. I retired from the day job in 2010 to care for my disabled wife but continue to perform and teach actively.

Right now, I'm performing occasional but meaningful gigs both as a leader and band member, trying to help my many students to play better and enjoy music more and continuing to refine my musical skills. I care for my disabled wife during the day and teach out of my home studio in Skokie during evenings and weekends.